The minor in urban studies is highly relevant to students interested in addressing emerging and persistent issues of the 21st century, including social justice, climate change, environmental conservation, sustainable development, mobility and access, public health, and economic prosperity—each of which has local, urban, and regional dimensions.

It is well-suited for students in a wide range of majors: education, political science, sociology, economics, criminology, pre-law, human rights, social justice, social work, geography, sustainability, environmental policy and planning, civil and environmental engineering, health and public health, business, anthropology, history, journalism and mass communication, African American studies, Native American and Indigenous studies, gender, women’s and sexuality studies, and international studies.

Students completing the urban studies minor will have an understanding of enduring and emerging urban issues, urban policies, and innovative urban practices. They will be prepared to improve the quality and sustainability of the built and natural environments, to promote equity and justice, and to make communities more resilient, inclusive, and prosperous.

The Graduate College is the curricular college for the undergraduate urban studies minor, and the minor is awarded by the University College.

Requirements

The undergraduate minor in urban studies requires 15 s.h. of coursework taken at the University of Iowa. Students must maintain a G.P.A. of at least 3.00 in work for the minor. Coursework in the minor may not be taken pass/non-pass.

Students must take URP:3001 Planning Livable Cities, which provides an introduction to urban studies, policies, and practices, and choose four electives from the list below.

Core Course (3 s.h.)

4 Electives (12 s.h.)

Declaring the Minor and Minor Advising

Students may declare the minor in MyUI as soon as they are enrolled in URP:3001 Planning Livable Cities.

Those interested in pursuing the urban studies minor must meet with the minor advisor, be briefed on the minor expectations for performance, and complete a Plan of Study that must be approved by the minor advisor.

Please contact Carrie Schuettpelz, Director of Undergraduate Studies at the School of Planning and Public Affairs.